“Getting an education at King’s College, thanks to the generosity of a maiden aunt, changed my life forever,” says John Bayley. “That is why I am happy to give back.”
“Originally, we were quite a divided group of real estate agents and lawyers and surveyors and property people. The trust brought these industries together.”
It was 1962, and JB was reaping the generosity of his aunt who, recognising his parents’ straitened circumstances, sponsored her nephew through his high school education path. Graeme Bringans had a similar background, says the second-generation leader of Bayleys Real Estate.
“Graeme always cared for people that didn’t have a silver spoon in their mouth. He was a very proud man and he always looked after and respected others.”
Graeme’s sudden death at a young age saw John and fellow real estate identity Deborah Kelland join their peers in recognising their visionary friend in a very innovative manner. The pair would become founding members of the trust that was originally in Graeme’s name and designed to provide for young people – especially those in adverse circumstances who might not otherwise be able to – to enter the property industry. Bayleys Real Estate is a foundation sponsor of what is now the Keystone Trust, and a property scholarship is in its name. Explains JB: “Keystone gave me that platform.”
Keystone is now 30 years old; Bayleys is 51. What is it about the trust that has seen this relationship endure? Says John: “Originally, we were quite a divided group of real estate agents and lawyers and surveyors and property people. The trust brought these industries together.”
That’s thanks to the efforts of some really energetic people whose vision and hard work coalesced the industries, he adds – but it’s Graeme’s widow, Binty Bringans, who’s the glue that keeps it together.
Even before the business links were established, there were some familial connections to build on. John Bayley’s brother-in-law – a Pirongia farmer – just happens to be Binty’s cousin. “I would have got to know Graeme through property, but I knew him prior to that through those family connections. Graeme was both a mate and a colleague.”
And so it continues. “Bayleys is seen as a family business, and I think Keystone is a family too – a family of professionals wanting to see young aspirants achieve their dreams,” says John.
He and his wife Maxine have no children, but he considers nephew Mike Bayley – now the company’s Managing Director and Chairman – his surrogate son. Mike has also continued the Keystone – Bayley’s connection, which greatly delights John. “Mike understands what it means to give back, and to see people succeed.” He adds that he is very proud of what Keystone has achieved and its connection to not just the property world, but also students who have benefited from the trust. The future looks good. There are some real “rock stars” coming through that will hold Bayleys and the trust in very good stead, says John. As for alumni of decades past: “some will be at the top of the tree in their respective businesses now.”
